Biographies

Source:
Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois
Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches
of Prominent and Representative Citizens
of the County
Together with Portraits and Biographies of all the
Presidents of the United States
and Governors of the State
Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros
1891

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y- Z

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	JOHN BAIRD is numbered among the agriculturists of Piatt County and is pursuing an honorable career on section 11, Unity Township.  He is the owner of a good estate, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has improved and from which he derives a very satisfactory income.  The fields of waving grain are a beautiful sight when stirred by the soft summer wind and the sounds of busy life are music in the ear.  The parents of our subject were Thomas and Eliza (Carter) Baird, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom is still living.  The mother died in Wyandot County, Ohio, some years since.  Besides our subject their family included Ellis, whose biography occupies another page in this Album1, and Francis Baird, who now lives in Piatt County, and James A., who died two years ago in Ohio.      In Newville, Richland County, Ohio, August 14, 1839, the eyes of John Baird opened to the light.  During his early childhood his parents removed to Wyandot County, where he grew to a man's estate and continued to live until 1868.  He then turned his footsteps westward and reaching Douglas County this State, made that his home for a year, after which he came to Piatt County.  Since his arrival here he has spent three years in Cerro Gordo Township, but with that exception has been a resident of Unity Township.  He was engaged in the lumber business during a period of nine years, but aside from that has devoted his time and strength to the calling of a farmer.      The lady who presides in the home of our subject and to whose efficient management its comfort is due, bore the maiden name of Eliza A. Anderson.  She was born in Vigo County, Ind., March 13, 1854, being a daughter of James and Kate (Duddleston) Anderson.  Her father died at her birthplace, but her mother is still living.  The marriage of Mr. Baird and Miss Anderson and solemnized in the township in which they are now living on December 23, 1869.  They have become the parents of eight children - Mattie, William E., Eliza A., Katie B., John T., Marion, Mary Maud and a son who died unnamed.  The first-born also died in early infancy and Marion when about a year old.      Mr. Baird has been School Director and Trustee, serving in the former capacity some ten years.  He is firmly convinced of the justice of Democratic principles and theories and never fails to support them with his vote at the proper time with his influence whenever and wherever it can be exerted.  He is a man of intelligence, industry and good character, and as such receives his due measure of respect. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page
Piatt County Creamery, Bement, IL John Benson, Propr.	JOHN BENSON.  For many years Europe has been contributing to the United States men of ability and enterprise, men who have left their homes in the old country poor in purse but determined in spirit, and through their dauntless efforts have achieved success in the business world.  Through incessant industry they have attained prosperity, and are numbered among the leading citizens in whatever community they may have cast their lots.  Nor has Sweden been backward in this respect, for many of her children have attained prominence here.  Among these conspicuous mention belongs to the subject of this sketch, who is well known as the proprietor of the Piatt County Creamery, at Bement, a view of which is presented on another page of this volume.      Mr. Benson is now in the prime of life, having been born Mar. 8, 1855.  He was reared in his native land, passing the days of his youth on the farm, where he was employed after the usual manner of farmers boys.  In 1871 he removed from Sweden to Denmark, where he was employed as a farm manager during the ensuing ten years.  Ambitious to see more of the world and wisely thinking that he would improve his fortunes by emigrating to America, our subject came to the United States in 1881.  He landed in New York City, whence he made his way directly to Livingston County, Ill., and was engaged in the drainage business there and in Piatt County the ensuing seven years.      In July, 1889, our subject purchased the Piatt County Creamery, of which he is the sole proprietor, and which is favorably known far beyond the limits of Bement.  He has a well-equipped establishment here, amply supplied with the necessary machinery and he yearly produces two hundred and forty thousand pounds of butter, which is a superior article and finds a ready sale, chiefly in the Chicago markets.  Mr. Benson employs thirteen men in his creamery and conducts his business after the most approved manner, as he has made a thorough study of the best methods to be employed in making butter.  He is an honorable, straightforward business man who, though keen and shrewd in his dealings, never seeks to take unfair advantages and is always perfectly honest in every transaction.  His name stands high in business circles, and he is much esteemed by all with whom he associates as a man of strict integrity and unfailing enterprise. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page 348
	CHARLES H. BRIDGES.  Probably the leading place among the mercantile establishments of Bement, Piatt County, is occupied by that of Bridges & McDaniels.  The senior member of the firm has been established here for nearly a decade and has worked up a fine business, in which he has been ably seconded by the partner whom he received a few years since.  A favorably located storeroom is fitted up in good shape and its shelves are loaded with well-selected goods, so assorted as to include whatever is most necessary in the household and most pleasing to the tastes of the many patrons.      Mr. Bridges was born near Chatham, Sangamon County, January 27, 1837, and was reared to manhood on a farm.  About the time he entered his teens father changed his place of residence to Pawnee Township, but still continued his agricultural pursuits, with which the son early became familiar.  Our subject continued to reside there until the fall of 1876, being engage in farming until the last year of his residence, during which he carried on a grocery store in the village of Pawnee.  At the date mentioned he removed to Niantic, Macon County, and established a mercantile business which he prosecuted there about three years.  Selling out he removed to Illiopolis, where for almost a decade he was similarly engaged.      We next find Mr. Bridges of Moweaqua, still engaged in commercial transactions, but after a few years making another "change of base" and in June, 1882, establishing himself in Bement.  In 1885 he formed a partnership with Thomas L. McDaniels and under the firm name of McDaniels & Bridges a mercantile establishment is carried on at Lovington.  The year after the connection was formed, the two gentlemen made a still closer association and under the firm name of Bridges & McDaniels continued the enterprise that had been begun by our subject in Bement.  Mr. Bridges is a busy man, full of push and energy, and while in Illiopolis, carried on the lumber trade in connection with his other work.  He has an enviable reputation amount business men for honesty and square dealing, while the patrons of his establishment credit him with courtesy and manliness in his treatment of all who visit the store.      In Pawnee, Sangamon County, December 4, 1860, the interesting ceremony took place which transformed Miss Fanny A. Matthews into Mrs. Charles H. Bridges.  The bride was born in Christian County, but for some years prior to her marriage, had been living in Sangamon County.  The happy home over which she presides has been blessed by the birth of six children:  Joseph M., Monta M., Myrtle M., and Emory and Emmett, twins.  The parents have buried one child, Mary, who died when but little more than two years old.      Mr. Bridges is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge Chapter, and Eastern Star Degree.  In politics he is independent.  He has been a member of the Village Board and of the Town School Board, and in his connection with these bodies has, as in his personal affairs, been zealous and progressive.  During the greater part of his life he has belonged to the Christian Church and his chief aim has been to live in a manner befitting the vocation whereto he is called. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page
	GEORGE L. BROWN.  This gentleman has been carrying on a successful trade in lumber during the past six years, his location being Deland, Piatt County, where he is the only dealer in his line.  He has demonstrated his native shrewdness and business tact by the accumulation of a good property and this without capital other than his natural resources.  He began working by the month and saved his wages until he was able to buy two young calves, upon the sale of which he bought a horse.  The spirit of progress and wisdom of investment manifested in these transactions of his youth was displayed in a greater degree as he grew older and led to his success as a farmer and business man.  He now has considerable town property in Deland and two hundred acres within the limits of Goose Creek Township which is in a good state of cultivation and produces excellent crops.      John Brown, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1817, removed thence to Ohio, and in 1857 settled in DeWitt County, this State.  He is still living and although of advanced age is hale and hearty.  His wife, formerly Mary A. Stout, was born in Ohio in 1822, and she also survives.  Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Thirteen children have been born to them, seven of whom are living.  The maternal grandfather of our subject was Isaac Stout, who was born in Ohio in 1800 and died in 1870.  He was the son of a German who had been one of the first settlers in the Buckeye State.      The subject of this biographical notice was born November 24, 1840, in Pickaway County, Ohio and obtained his education in the subscription schools, the temple of learning being an old fashioned log schoolhouse.  He attended during the winter months only and when but eleven years old worked out by the month during the summer.  He came to this State with his parents when seventeen years old and finding work by the month continued the occupation until after he had passed his majority when he engaged in farming and in the fall operated a threshing machine during a period of some six years.  He then purchased eighty acres of land in DeWitt County, to which he added forty acres in 1874.  In 1882 he disposed of this property and bought in Goose Creek Township, Piatt County, but later sold that tract and purchased the one near Deland which is still in his possession.      The marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Virginia Cresap was solemnized in 1867.  The bride was a native of this State.  She crossed the river of death October 28, 1876, after having borne her husband three children, named respectively, Charles E., Norah E., and Frederick.  The last named is now deceased.  In 1878 Mr. Brown was again married, his companion on this occasion being Miss Permelia M. Staker, a native of Ohio.  This union has been blest by the birth of two children - Ralph S. and Virgil H.      Mr. Brown is a Democrat and has held various local offices and served his party as a delegate to township and county conventions, etc.  He and his wife belong to the Methodist Protestant Church and he is quite active in the work carried on by that denomination.  He has been a delegate to several annual conferences and been quite prominent in building up the church in the locality in which he lives.  He is one whose citizenship is an honor to the community and whose conduct as a business man and progressive agriculturist is a commendable and worthy of emulation.  He and his wife have good standing in society and as a matter of course have many friends. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page
	WILLIAM H. BROYLES, a well-known resident of Cerro Gordo Township, where he has a good farm on section 34, is a worthy representative of the men of his class who have done so much towards advancing the material prosperity of Piatt County. He is a native of Lawrence County, Ind., where he was born November 1, 1850. He is a son of Thomas and Martha Broyles, natives of Kentucky.      The mother of our subject died in 1855 when he was about five years old, and with his father and other members of the family, he came to Wayne County, Ill. He remained there until he was eighteen years old, when he went to Moultrie County, where he was engaged the ensuing seven years as a farm hand receiving as payment an average of about $23 a month and his board, as he was considered a skillful laborer. For six years he was in the employ of Julius Bicknell, and at intervals during that time he attended school, receiving the better part of his education in Moultrie County.      March 23, 1876, was the date of the marriage of our subject with Miss Rachael C. Chaney. By that marriage four children were born, of whom these two are living, Ada and Maurice. The names of those deceased are Winfield and Myrtle. Mrs. Broyles departed this life in July, 1883, leaving behind her the memory of a woman of true worth. Mr. Broyles' second marriage which occurred October 31, 1886, was with Miss Noma E. Ponder. This estimable lady was born in North Carolina, September 3, 1852, and is a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Radford) Ponder, residents of Hammond. Her parents are natives of North Carolina, and came to Piatt County in 1864. They settled in Unity Township, where they resided on a farm for several years until they retired to their present home. They have had eight children, of whom seven are living, namely: Sophronia. wife of Joseph Franklin; Noma E.; Verlanchia, wife of John Edmundson; James, John; Rosetta, wife of Jacob Mitchell; and Marcenia, wife of B. Fisher. Mrs. Broyles is a member in high standing of the Baptist Church, and she and her husband are pleasant, agreeable people, who are highly thought of in the social circles of their township.      As we have seen, our subject was early thrown on his own resources, and has had his own way to make in the world from boyhood clays. He was, however, blessed with a good capacity for work, an ambition to succeed in life, and with sound, common sense that has enabled him to accumulate a very comfortable property, and place himself in independent circumstances, among the well-to-do men of his section. He owns one hundred and six acres of farming land of exceptional fertility and productiveness that is well cultivated and supplied with all necessary improvements. His success is well deserved, as he is a man of sound business integrity, and in all his dealings is perfectly fair and honest. He has intelligent views in regard to politics, and is independent of party ties, voting always for the man whom he thinks best fitted for the office regardless of his political affiliations.  Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page
	GEORGE W. BUNYAN.  In traveling throughout Piatt County strangers are impressed with the number of homelike dwellings and the many farms which bear evidence of affording to their owners a comfortable maintenance and a provision for the rainy day.  In Unity Township, one of this class is found to be the home of George W. Bunyan, who has made a life-work of farming and thoroughly understands his calling. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres on sections 25 and 32, to the management of which he brings much thought and many progressive ideas. He has recently added to the already good improvements a new dwelling of modern design, and fitted it up in a manner consonant with his refined tastes and those of his estimable wife. The parents of our subject were Elijah and Sarah (Swaby) Bunyan, whose early home was in Herfordshire. England, where our subject was born April 15, 1831. He was but two years old when the family came to America, settling in Stark County, Ohio. This was the family home but a short time when a removal was made to Allen County, Ind. The father died there in 1837, and the little lad who had already been deprived of his mother's care, was taken to Ohio where he grew to manhood surrounded by the associations and influences of farm life. His years were spent in Holmes, Ashland and Richland Counties until the fall of 1867, when he made his present location. He learned the tailor's trade but worked at it only three years, believing that farming was better adapted to his line of thought and physical vigor.      In Ashland County, Ohio, January 20, 1852, the rites of marriage were celebrated between Mr. Bunyan and Miss Eleanor Daratt. The bride, who was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and of fine character, was born in New York July 10, 1829. As a wife she has been true to her vows, and as a mother her devotion, wisdom and affection, are unquestioned by those who know her home life. She is not remiss in neighborly kindness or .in social duties, but in the midst of the cares of home finds time to keep up her friendly intercourse with those about her. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bunyan consists of five children, three of whom are established in homes of their own, while Charles A. and Margaret E. still fill their accustomed places at the parental fireside. The first-born, Sarah J., is the wife of John McCabe. The second child, John W., married Jenette Wallace and after her demise won for his second wife Jenny Dobson. Wilbert W. married Ruthetta Shaw. Mr. and Mrs. Bunyan belong to the Christian Church and faithfully endeavor to order their lives in accordance with the precepts of true religion. The political allegiance of Mr. Bunyan is given to the Republican party and he takes a fairly active part in the work by which its interests are advanced.  In the summer of 1864 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio National Guards and served about four months. He has been School Director, but has not otherwise held public office. A deep interest in the welfare of his fellow-men is manifested by him, it being shown by the support he gives to every public enterprise of an elevating and progressive character. He is a man of genial nature and hospitable spirit and the entire family thoroughly enjoy entertaining, making of their home a favorite gathering place for their friends, and treating with the utmost cordiality even the stranger within their gates. Mr. Bunyan is a lover of books and journals and not only reads widely but thinks deeply. He possesses an unusual fund of information and probably no home in the county is better supplied with literature or is the center of more general consideration of public affairs and matters of interest than is his. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page
	GROW L. BURGESS, a well-known resident of Bement Township, Piatt County, is successfully engaged in connection with his brother Clark in breeding Holstein cattle besides carrying on an active farming business, and he is one of the leading agriculturists of this part of Illinois.  Our subject is a son of the late Rev. Henry B. Burgess, who was born in Cortland County, N. Y., in 1824.  He was married in Pulaski County, Ind., in 1846, to Miss Mary M. Miller, a native of Preble County, Ohio.  They began their wedded life in the county where they were married, but two years later they removed to Fulton County, Ill.  They remained there one year and then located at Henry, in Marshall County, where they lived some six years.  He was a well-known minister of the old Christian Church and finally he left Marshall County and went to Meadville, Pa., in order to better fit himself for his work, and there he took a three years' course in the Theological Seminary.      The Rev. Mr. Burgess went to Kansas after leaving college, accompanied thither by his wife and children, and there he pre-empted a quarter section of land now included in the city of Topeka.  His wife was the second white woman who settled in that vicinity.  He remained there till 1858 when he returned to Illinois and lived in Warren County some six years.  He had done good work in the church and was a minister of high standing in his denomination.  But he was obliged to abandon his beloved calling after he left Kansas, as he was afflicted with a throat trouble which did not permit him to preach.  From Warren County the family came to Piatt County, in 1866, and made their home in Bement through he had purchased a farm on section 10, Bement Township, which he managed.  At the expiration of nine years they settled on the farm where he died in April, 1876, thus closing a long and honorable career which had been one of usefulness to his community.      The parents of our subject had four children as follows:  Sarah E., the wife of Benjamin Bacon; Clark M., a farmer in Bement Township; Hattie J., wife of J. W. Webster; and Grow L., our subject.  Clark is a skillful and enterprising farmer and owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Bement Township.  He is interested with our subject in raising Holstein cattle, as before mentioned.  He married Mary Robinson and they have two children named Mark Ray and Mary Edna.      Our subject owns a quarter of section 10, Bement Township, which, under his skillful management, has become one of the best improved and most desirable farms in this locality.  Nov. 1, 1890, was entirely destroyed with the most of its contents.  He has his land exceptionally well tilled and it is finely adapted for stock-raising purposes to which he devotes a part of it.  He and his brother have a fine her of some twenty Holstein cattle and he has other valuable stock.      Mr. Burgess has been eminently happy in his domestic life, as in his marriage with Miss Dell Daniels he secured a wife who is at once a helpmate and a companion and is devoted to his interests.  Mr. Burgess possesses an active, keep intellect and conducts his interests in a business-like manner so as to bring about good financial results.  He is a frank, open-hearted man possessing many other fine traits of character that have placed him high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens.  He takes an intelligent view of politics and favors the Republican party. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page 346
	SAMUEL L. BUSICK.  The farming community embraced in Bement Township, Piatt County, is composed of intelligent, enterprising, capable me , as one of these whose interests are closely associated with this county it gives us pleasure to present to the patrons of this biographical work, a review of the life of Samuel L. Busick.  He was born in Madison County, Ohio, Apr. 2, 1842.  His father was the late John N. Busick, aq native of Annapolis, Md., and his mother was in her maiden days, Mary Bowdrey, a native of Nashville, Tenn., John Busick was one of the pioneer farmers of Douglas County, Ill., where he spent his last years.  His widow is still living at an advanced age.      He of whom we write was seven years old when he left the place of his birth and came with his parents to Edgar County, Ill., and in that county and Cumberland and Coles Counties, he grew to manhood.  He was bred to the life of a farmer and when he arrived at the years of discretion adopted that honorable calling for his life work.  He enlisted in March, 1864, as a teamster and did good service in the army for about ten months.  In 1863 he came to Piatt County, and after his term of enlisted expired in 1865 he settled in Bement Township on section 27, where he has since lived, with the exception of two years when he rented his farm and resided in Coles County.  He owns two hundred and fourteen acres of a fine farming land as can be found in his township, and he has it under the best of cultivation and amply supplied with good improvements in the way of neat buildings and everything necessary to facilitate farm work.  Mr. Busick has a half interest in the tile factory of Edgar County, which is carrying on a lucrative and extensive business, as the tile manufactured there as a superior article.      Our subject took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Harriet Watkins, Oct. 12, 1862, their marriage being solemnized in Mattoon, Coles County.  Mrs. Busick is a native of Wiltshire, England, and is a daughter of the late James and Hester (Hunt) Watkins, who were also natives of England.  Her father died in Coles County, Ill., and her mother is still living.  Mr. and Mrs. Busick have a home that is replete with comfort, and happiness.  Eleven children have come to them in their married life, namely:  Frances A. wife of William Young; Ellen, wife of Charles Ricketts; Emma, wife of William Roach; Ida M., wife of Frank Rogers; Eliza J.; Mary A.; Lillie O.; Elisha E.; the next in order of birth was a child who died in infancy; Iva P., and James W.      Our subject is endowed with a clear, well-balanced mind, his judgment is good and his calculations keen.  These characteristics have been of service not only to himself in the management of his interests, but have been valuable to his township and county when he has taken part in public affairs.  He was elected one of the first Drainage Commissioners of the district and served as Chairman of the Board four years.  In that capacity he rendered inestimable service and is entitled to great credit for the part he took in draining the township and county.  The were obstacles to contend with during the time he held that office, but as head of the Board, he was largely instrumental in overcoming them and in making the work performed of lasting benefit to the agricultural interests of this section of Illinois.  Mr. Busick has held the office of Justice of the Peace of two terms and is still an incumbent of that office.  He is quite influential in political affairs and gives his earnest support to the Democratic party.  He is also a members of the Farmers; Alliance. Source:  Portrait & Biographical Album of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,  Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891~ Page 364

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